11. Adrianna

11

ADRIANNA

“ I ’m thankful for your time, Queen Adrianna, but I’m sure you can understand that we’re more focused on the actions you’re going to take and not just the words that are leaving your mouth.” His face remains neutral, giving nothing away as his eyes bore into mine.

I keep the smile plastered on my face despite the bubbling in my veins. “I completely understand, Vampire Holloway. The new times that we face aren’t going to be easy, but it’s going to be a journey worth taking for all.” I don’t know where the polite tone is coming from, but here I am, once again trying to inject positivity into another origin. Especially to a man who insists I address him by his superior origin as well as his name.

I can definitely see where Raiden got his traits from, but now, facing his father, even through this device, I can see how much my vampire has changed. I could list off a million of the differences, but zoning out is not in my best interest right now.

“As the cliché goes, actions speak louder than words. I await your first moves,” Holloway states before the projection in front of me disappears, and I’m finally alone.

Slumping back in my seat, my crown threatens to fall as I glance up at the ceiling, and I consider letting it tumble, but just as it slips, I grab it, holding it in front of me with a new sense of wonder. I’ve been tucked away in here all day. I’ve been treated to three bottles of water to stop my mouth from drying out from all of the talking, but otherwise, the only way I know the day has escaped me is the fact that the sky is painted in an array of pinks, purples, and oranges, letting dusk claim us before night falls.

A gathering of fae from Foley Hill. Check. Joyous and hopeful? Check.

Mage Morgan. Check. Anticipation and a premature sense of disappointment already? Check.

Cassian. Check. Sweet words of encouragement since no other wolf pack leader was interested in speaking with me? Check.

Shifters from across the kingdom. Check. A falcon, a duck, and a jaguar. It almost sounded like the start of a poor joke, but instead, it was a mixture of judgment and elusiveness that I struggled to navigate.

Mayor Phillips. The leader of the humans up in Summer Oak was pompous and confusing, and I’m certain he didn’t actually hear anything I said, but he was polite and cheerful enough.

Finally, Vampire Holloway.

I can’t decide if I had started with the worst or not, but either way, I’m here now. Exhausted and hungry, I’m ready to eat and wash away the day so I’m fresh and ready for the news the others bring in.

As much as I would love to pass out, there’s still much to do. Even if it’s not my role to do them, I still feel the strain of the tasks. Nora was right, I’m a control freak, through and through.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt, but it’s about Clementine,” Flora states, appearing at the door. She peers through the small gap, tucking a loose tendril of red hair behind her ear, and I wave her into the room.

The energy shifts with her arrival, more so because of the news she seems to have, but I’m more than happy to take the distraction.

“Communications are suggesting that she’s been sighted up north, but no confirmation, just rumors at this point. Raiden has combed through the entire city, and he’s doing a final sweep now. She’s definitely not here.”

Fuck.

She’s still on the loose and I’ve been here talking all day. Handling this newfound responsibility will take more than I initially surmised, but it seems nothing could have truly prepared me for what it takes to run a whole kingdom and unite people who have spent the last decade competing for power.

“Thank you,” I answer, digesting the information, but she shakes her head.

“No, thank you, Addi. Honestly, it may not be good news, but it’s progress. You’ve given me a purpose, a way to help my best friend and the kingdom all at once. It means everything, and I won’t let you down,” she promises, and I smile.

My father was right; everyone I chose for my council is as dedicated to our kingdom as I am.

“I know you won’t. That’s exactly why I trusted you with this role, Flora. Now, I’ve spent the afternoon kissing origin ass and placating inflated egos. I think it’s time to catch me up on all the important things I missed, you know, so I don’t lose my mind.”